Robert Macfarlane meets Elif Shafak – Rivers of life

Join Robert Macfarlane and Elif Shafak for a deeply personal and provocative journey inviting us to reimagine the nature of rivers, stories, and life itself.

Renowned not only in her native Turkey and her adopted home of Britain but also across the globe, Elif Shafak is an author whose novels succeed where so many others fail: at once enchanting the spirit and the senses, stirring the heart, and making us think deeply about the great themes of human life.

Our greatest living nature writer, Robert Macfarlane is both the author of prize-winning bestsellers including Underland, Landmarks, and The Old Ways, and an artistic polymath whose collaborators include many of the most distinguished artists, musicians, and poets of our time.

Now Elif and Robert come together for a one-of-a-kind meeting to explore the magic and mystery of rivers – from the dirt-black Thames of Victorian London to the wounded lagoons of Southern India.

Elif’s new novel There Are Rivers in the Sky tells a story spanning centuries and continents entwined by rivers, rains, and waterdrops. Robert’s new book Is a River Alive? reveals a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings – who should be recognised as such in both imagination and law.

Don’t miss this extraordinary and unique conversation between two of our greatest living writers. This is a magical and radical night that will make you rethink what you think you know about rivers and about the nature of life.

Booking information

To book tickets, please visit the How To Academy website.

This event has not been organised by the Society. If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking please contact the event organiser, How To Academy, via contact@howtoacademy.com

Accessibility at our events

We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. Key accessibility features of this event include:

• Step-free access to the event
• Accessible toilets
• Assistance dogs are welcome
• Hearing loop

For full details, please visit our accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org